Monty Python - French soldier who insulted The King by saying His Mother was a Hamster, and his Father stank of elderberries!! CLASSIC

"Vous avez aucune éducation et je trouve que vous êtes très impoli."(VoohZ-Ahvay Ahcoon Ehducation, "A" Jay troohove ker VoohZ et tray M-pole-E)You have no education and I find you very impolite.This is such a bad insult, it basically means that the person is equilvant to a Stupid, idiot moron and they have no manners. To be even more insulting (not that the above saying is not bad enough, you could throw money on the floor and say, "Pour le service." I wouldn't advise that unless you are ready to put up your dukes, not that a French person would fight, however, goes to show you never can tell!!!

My Muses...

The Old World

Porte Dijeaux, Bordeaux, France

Quinconces, Bordeaux, France

St. Andre, Bordeaux, France

The New World

Las Vegas... my former playground! How I miss her!

What can be said of Las Vegas that has not been said before? Her humble and infamous beginnings, the glitz and glamour, and the 24 hour accessibility of the finest of vices are located on a five mile stretch of road known throughout the world as ‘The Strip’. But for me, it was home.

Living in Las Vegas is like nothing and everything you can imagine.The casino was my playground and gluttony was my best friend.I indulged and revelled in the Las Vegas lifestyle with her blinking and blinding lights, the sweet music of the slot machines, the screams of winners at the craps table, the instant gratification, the concerts, the buffets, the shows, the discos, the shopping, the smoking, the constant noise, the drinking, the parties, and her overt opulence.The propaganda of 'Sin City' delivered on the promise of a grand illusion, and I was a willing and active participant.

Place de la Bourse

Fast forward to present day and I find myself a foreigner in the foreign land of France.I arrived more than a year ago to the beautiful city of Bordeaux, crossing the ocean for none other than love and adventure. I moved my entire life from the epitome of the New World to the Old World in one transatlantic flight.

Near Place Gambetta, Bordeaux

Quinconces, Bordeaux, France

My daily life has flipped like a crêpe, burnt around the edges. The enormity of the move from bright lights to baguettes has left me feeling lost and confused, but the American in me does not comprehend failure. So, I play on French terms, which I find changes by the minute depending on where bread crumbs land. I find the French are passionate about conversation and complaining, yet, from my point of view, they find it pointless to change, even if it could lead to a better situation. When pointing this out, I have been greeted with the typical French sound of 'PFFT', which I have now figured out is a legitimate answer to any question. I was then told that I wouldn’t understand, because I’m American. I had no idea that being an American equals no comprehension. Thanks, France!

French Stereotype!!!

I also love - and find a bit bizarre - the different sound effects that the French sprinkle in their conversations. For example: BOF! Pffft!! Ohhh la la! Huuuuhh!! Please see the "How to Fake French" video below for clarification!

I, too, find myself producing these sound effects, and go so far as to act out words to carry on a conversation, much like a performing monkey.

The French seem to appreciate it I think, though I’m unsure if they are secretly poking fun at me.

France continues to teach me patience. I have discovered the fine art of ‘à la française’ and the importance of 'the experience.' I have fallen in love with the different approach to life, where it can be seen at any sidewalk café.The French have conversations; they eat and smoke, they enjoy the moment, instead of allowing themselves to be distracted by their mobile phones or other devices that create isolation, like many Americans.

I recently met a gentleman, Laurent Gonzales, who discussed for more than half an hour a Calvado (apple brandy made in the North of France) or 'calva' as he called it, which had been distilled in the 1800s and which he 'had the privilege to drink' on a recent trip to Normandy.

Calvados, otherwise known as a "Calva"

He described the experience as if he had discovered Eve in the Garden of Eden. Gonzales used his hands, like a maestro, to emphasize the perfection of the calva’s smoothness, its aroma, its colour, and how his taste buds exploded with pleasure. With his carefully chosen words, he had transported me to Normandy and I felt as if I had enjoyed the calva right alongside him. Then he asked me a question which left me sad. "Do Americans drink wine?" Gonzales said. "Yes," I answered, "but I think mostly on special occasions." At that exact moment, I discovered the distinct difference between French and American cultures.

Americans drink wine for special occasions, while the French drink wine because every day is a special occasion. (or they are raging alcoholics)Nonetheless, I have decided to allow France to reveal herself to me on her terms, and to remember that every day is a special occasion, even if it doesn't feel like one. Now, I embrace and welcome the change, and above all the experience.

Bonjour Madame... Bonjour Monsieur...

In France, when entering a shopping establishment, it is obligatory to say "Bonjour Madame" or "Bonjour Monsieur". Why? Well, c'est comme ça -- 'It is just like that.' This must be done in every store you enter, the exception being large grocery or department stores, however upon checkout, you must greet your cashier with this same expression. As I have mentioned in previous posts, the French are old fashioned and have a high respect for manners, even though they may not always abide by them. Follow this simple rule, and you will have a better shopping experience!

Jem, Scout, Dill, Calpurnia, and Atticus will always be a part of my life - ALWAYS.

It is always the sweet and simple things in life that makes it grand. France, in many ways has taught me that. The country that can infuriate me to no end, also makes everything better with a cafe creme and a chocolatine! Thanks France!

Need I say more?! I was/am obsessed with Star Wars.I even had Star Wars bedsheets when I was a kid! This trilogy is a recipe for life!

Bellydance - Danse OrientaleThe dance of beauty and mystery! The movements are organic and allows me to express the truest, highest me. The dance allows a women to express and feel every gift Mother Nature gives. I love this dance with all my heart and the dance loves me right back! By the way, the woman in the photo is the Mata Hari. She was an overnight sensation in Paris, and then accused of being a spy for Germany. French officals arrested her. She was killed by firing squad on October 15 1917. It is said that she refused a blindfold and blew one last kiss to her killers. Mata Hari was killed by a bullet to the heart, and her body was donated to medical science.

The Lourve, Paris, France After seeing many of these famous paintings in books over the years, THEN seeing them in the flesh - it took my breath away. I promise it will do the same for you!

A very close friend of mine emailed this to me and I thought I would share! I brayed like a donkey! I know it is not good to make stereotypes, much less generalizations... however aren't all steroetypes based on some sort of truth? I wish I would have found this video before moving to the Land of Ohhh La La, my life would have been made easier. Nonetheless, ENJOY!

We all know the stereotype of the French... wearing a beret, smoking a cigarette with a baguette under their arm. Well, that's true! ​With that said, I wanted to give you a complete tour of heading to our neighborhood boulangerie, which is a daily outing.

So without further ado...

On y va à la boulangerie!!(O - knee - vah - Allah - Boo lawn jer E)

Leaving our apartment!

Cachou runs into her friend, Tango!

Then down the other driveway to hit the street.

​This is our sweet boulangerie around the corner from our apartment. Each day, except Mondays because they are closed, the sweet husband or I along with Cachou take our daily trip to this establishment.

EACH DAY. AND WORTH IT! The smell of our boulangerie is heavenly!

I must also say that there is usually a begger on the outside steps, however he wasn't there on that day. I hope he is ok! When I got home, my sweet husband asked if I gave him any money. He also found it odd that he wasn't there and hoped that everything was ok.

​When I got home, my sweet husband asked if I gave him any money. He also found it odd that he wasn't there!

As mentioned in a previous blog, there have been many items we have found just by taking our dog for a walk. So, in the spirit of looking at things in a different light and giving it a new life, I would like to share with you a couple of "Lost, Found, Fabulous" items that have become part of ours. Many of the items found may not our ideal style, however, I like the story behind them and besides, free stuff is always fabulous! I will add more photos and backstorys if and when we find new stash. So without further ado, a couple of our Lost, Found, Fabulous items...

There are so many ways to say what you want, however, what I found works best is saying the magic words mixed with the following statement. Je voudrais... (Jay Voodray)

For example: You are at a restaurant and would like to order the plate of the day (plat du jour) First, you will most likely wait 10 - 15 minutes for the waiter/waitress to come over to your table (in some cases) please don't take this personally. Use this time to get comfortable and relax and catch up with your friend. If you are dining alone, bring a paper or a book. Also use this time to look over the menu, either written on the wall or on the standing sign that tells you what the menu of the day is.

When the waiter/waitress comes to take your order. Don't smile, just say, "Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur - Si'l vous plait, je voudrais le plat du jour. S/he will then ask what you want to drink. Again, say what you want, (un verre de vin rouge, un Coca, une biere, etc) and then say si'l vous plait. If s/he nods or says something back to you, just say "Merci."

I can go more in-depth with different, perhaps more polite ways to say what you would like, however Je Voudrais is probably used most and more current of what Frenchies are use to hearing!

Frenchified for Life

is a fabulous little lifestyle blog about truly embracing French life!

​My intent is to simply inspire you to create something unique and beautiful in your everyday life. The French have this wonderful and annoying habit of seeing the world through rose colored glasses, might as well learn something from them!

That said, I lift my glass to you!

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By the way, I mention the name Cachou (or The Cash) a lot, I'm referring to her...